One Special Moment - Brenda Jackson [42]
“Not much longer. We’ll be there in less than ten minutes.”
“Who’re your neighbors?”
Sterling looked over at her and smiled. “Barbra Streisand lives on one side of me and Morgan Freeman lives on the other. Neil Diamond and Johnny Mathis live across the street.”
A short while later Sterling brought the car to a stop in front of a huge wrought-iron gate. Seconds later, after keying in a special code, the gate opened, allowing them passage.
They pulled into the driveway of an enormous two-story structure nestled among cacti and palm trees, and gardens that included numerous exotic flowers. The sweet smell of the surrounding botanical landscape and the strong salty scent of the ocean assailed Colby’s nostrils.
“You’re on the beach!” she exclaimed. A huge smile curved her lips.
Sterling couldn’t help but smile at her excitement. “Yes, I live on the beach. It’s a private beach owned by the people who live here. But that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to go skinny-dipping any time you want,” he teased.
“I don’t skinny-dip,” she said, opening the car door and getting out before he had a chance to come around and assist her.
“I really like this place, Sterling.”
“I’m glad. Come on and let me introduce you to Simon.”
“Simon?”
“Yes, my housekeeper. He’s been with me for quite a while. You’ll like him.”
No sooner had the words left Sterling’s mouth than a tall, thin elderly man opened the door for them. “Welcome home, Mr. Hamilton.”
“Thanks, Simon,” Sterling replied as he and Colby stepped into the foyer. “I’d like you to meet Colby Wingate, my fiancée.”
Simon smiled. “Yes, sir, I heard all about it. It’s in the newspapers, and it was announced on the Today Show this morning. I must say you and Miss Wingate have caused quite a stir.”
Then he gave his undivided attention to Colby. “I’m happy to meet you Miss Wingate and congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Simon, I have some business to take care of, and then later today I’m expecting Kyle Garwood. I’d appreciate it if you took care of Colby for a while. See that she’s settled into one of my guest rooms.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be glad to.” He turned to Colby. “Let me show you to your room, Miss Wingate.”
“All right, Simon.”
“Colby?”
She turned and gazed up into Sterling’s dark eyes. “Yes?”
“Because of my business meeting with Kyle, I won’t be joining you for lunch. However, I’d like for us to have dinner together. And Kyle will be joining us.”
“Okay.”
Colby watched as Sterling turned and walked across the hall and into a large room. She caught a glimpse of the expensively decorated room with its thick carpet before he closed the door behind him.
“Not only is Mr. Hamilton a dynamic actor, he’s also a top-notch businessman,” Simon said proudly of his boss.
Colby nodded. She followed the man as he led her up some large, sweeping stairs. “I have quite a few messages for you, Miss Wingate.”
She looked up at Simon, surprised. “Messages for me? Are you sure? Who would know to call me here?”
“Didn’t Mr. Hamilton tell you he had all your calls forwarded from the hotel to here ever since early this morning?”
Colby shook her head. “No, he didn’t mention it.”
Simon shrugged. “I guess he forgot. Well, here we are.”
Colby found herself in a room too beautiful for words. It had a bay window facing Malibu Beach. The view was magnificent. “It’s lovely, Simon.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’ll leave you to get settled and will bring your luggage up in a minute. If you need anything just call me. The messages for you are on that table over there.” Then he left, closing the door behind him.
Colby walked over to the table and picked up five slips of paper. One was from Ebony magazine requesting an interview. The other was from People magazine requesting the same thing and the other three messages were from Cynthia.
She picked up the phone and immediately called Cynthia. A soft voice answered.
“Hello, Cynthia, it’s me.”
“Colby! Is it true!”
Colby smiled. She could just imagine her sister-in-law